About Dana
Dana Livingston: Board-Certified Appellate Specialist for High-Stakes Litigation
When bet-the-company appeals and high-stakes litigation demand the sharpest legal minds, clients turn to Dana Livingston. Recognized as one of the premier appellate practitioners in Texas, Dana offers over 30 years of unparalleled experience and a dedication to achieving victory. As a board-certified appellate specialist and a former Law Clerk for both the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Texas, Dana brings a uniquely informed and strategic approach to every case.
Dana’s expertise spans a vast range of substantive law, honed through her extensive career. She's renowned for her ability to seamlessly blend creative problem-solving with the rigorous intellectual demands of the appellate process. She frequently collaborates with trial counsel, guiding them through strategy development, key discovery disputes, complex legal motions, the crafting and argument of jury charges, and crucial error preservation efforts – both during and after trial – to secure an early litigation advantage or establish a strong foundation for a successful appeal or mandamus action.
Dana’s profound understanding of appellate law led to her appointment by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization to serve on its Civil Appellate Examination Commission for six years. This significant role demonstrates her deep commitment to maintaining the highest standards in appellate advocacy. Furthermore, she is an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Texas School of Law, where she has consistently taught Appellate Advocacy, shaping the next generation of legal professionals.
Dana's dedication to appellate practice culminated in her selection as the Editor in Chief of the two-volume *Appellate Practice Compendium*, a multi-jurisdictional guide published by the American Bar Association, and as the author of the Fifth Circuit chapter. This prestigious position underscores her expertise and contributions to the field. She is also a sought-after speaker at CLE programs, sharing her knowledge and insights on a wide array of appellate practice topics.
Dana’s career began with private practice at the Houston office of Vinson & Elkins LLP, where she served as a partner for 15 years with the appellate boutique, Alexander Dubose Jefferson & Townsend LLP, before joining Cokinos | Young. She has been Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1995, a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence.
Practice Areas:
- Appellate Practice
- Complex Litigation
- Bet-the-Company Appeals
- Federal Appeals
- State Appeals
- Mandamus Actions
Education & Credentials:
- Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1995
- Former Law Clerk for the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
- Former Staff Attorney at the Supreme Court of Texas
- Adjunct Professor of Law, University of Texas School of Law
- Editor in Chief, *Appellate Practice Compendium*
- Author, Fifth Circuit Chapter, *Appellate Practice Compendium*
Awards & Recognition:
Recognized as one of the premier appellate practitioners in the state of Texas.
Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2008.
Affiliations:
Texas Board of Legal Specialization (former member).
Contact Information:
Austin, Texas. Dana Livingston is a trusted legal counsel for clients seeking sophisticated appellate representation.
